Role
FD Capital is recruiting a Fractional Finance Director for an established, owner-managed commercial engineering and installation business based on the Hertfordshire/Essex border, close to Bishop’s Stortford. The company employs around 28 people, has turnover of approximately £9 million, and carries no debt. It has a strong record of delivering large-scale projects for national customers.
The business is replacing a departing finance manager. An experienced in-house team member already handles day-to-day bookkeeping, so this role is about senior financial leadership rather than transactional processing. You will be the owner’s trusted financial adviser. You will help them understand the numbers, plan ahead and make confident decisions.
The engagement will begin with a focused initial project. You will review and organise the finance function, confirm the business is on a secure footing, and set up a robust month-end process. After that, it moves to an ongoing fractional arrangement of around one day per week. The role is mainly on-site, with some hybrid flexibility for work such as preparing management accounts and forecasts. The client wants a long-term relationship of three to five years or more.
Lead an initial review of the finance function, covering processes, controls, reporting and cash position, and recommend improvements
Oversee month-end close and produce clear, timely management accounts
Build and maintain budgets, rolling forecasts and cash flow projections
Manage banking relationships and lead discussions with the company’s bank
Give the owner direct, practical financial advice on pricing, margins, project profitability and investment decisions
Support business planning, especially as the company manages a more normal growth rate after a period of major project delivery
Attend management meetings once or twice a month, presenting financial performance clearly and contributing to commercial discussions
Supervise and develop the in-house finance team member responsible for bookkeeping and day-to-day finance
Oversee year-end preparation and liaise with the external accountants and auditors
Identify financial risks early and recommend practical solutions
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience
Proven experience as a Finance Director or senior finance lead in an SME, ideally in engineering, contracting, construction, manufacturing or another project-based business
Strong understanding of project and contract accounting, including margin tracking, WIP and cash flow management on large contracts
Confident building forecasts and management information that non-financial owners can easily understand
Experience managing bank relationships
Excellent communicator: articulate, approachable and comfortable advising a business owner directly and contributing confidently in management meetings
Stable, steady and committed to a long-term relationship. This role suits an experienced FD building a fractional portfolio, not someone looking for a short-term assignment or an equity stake.
Able to attend the office near Bishop’s Stortford regularly, normally weekly
Competitive day rate, dependent on experience
Flexible fractional arrangement of around one day per week, with hybrid working for appropriate tasks
Long-term engagement, with the client seeking a relationship of three to five years or more
The company runs a four-day week, with an early finish on Fridays
Relaxed, friendly rural working environment with easy free parking
Debt-free, financially stable business with a clear owner who values good financial advice
Real influence as the senior finance voice in a close-knit leadership team
Accessible location, about 20 minutes from Stansted Airport and 40 minutes from Chelmsford